Matthew James Bailey has already commenced filming (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
Hollyoaks star Matthew James Bailey is set to join EastEnders as part of major storyline which will unfold over the summer.
The actor, best known for playing fan-favourite Ethan Williams on the Channel 4 soap between 2021 and 2024, will arrive in Walford in the coming months as newcomer DC Craig Ingram.
DC Craig is a younger colleague of Jack Branning’s (Scott Maslen) and is brought in to take over the long-time detective’s workload.
Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish), as viewers know, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a particularly aggressive form of blood cancer that requires urgent treatment.
Jack has been by D’s side since her diagnosis and visits the hospital regularly while she undergoes treatment, but his boss begins to suspect that he’s struggling to balance the demands of his workload with being there for Denise, which is where Craig comes in.
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And given that Albert Square has been the hub of all-things crime since 1985, it’s not long before Craig is working on a case nearby.
Matthew has already started filming and his scenes will transmit this summer. ‘Joining EastEnders has been a dream come true,’ he said of being cast in the long-running BBC soap.
‘From it being the soundtrack to my childhood, always on in the background at home, to gathering around the TV with my family every Christmas, being able to play even a small part in such an iconic piece of British television is truly surreal.’
Jack has been worried about wife Denise, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year (Picture: BBC /Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders boss Ben Wadey added: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to EastEnders, and he has been a fantastic addition to the cast.
‘Craig’s presence in Walford forms part of a storyline involving the Brannings that will unfold this summer.’
Matthew is no stranger to the world of soap, having played the role of Ethan Williams on Hollyoaks for three years.
Matthew is best known to fans for playing Ethan on Hollyoaks (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Ethan embarked on a romance with Sienna (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Quick-witted barman Ethan featured in several storylines across his tenure, including kidnapping Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) and embarking on a romance with Sienna Blake (Anna Passey), who he famously serenaded – with mimed vocals – in a now iconic scene.
Ethan met a tragic end two years ago when he was pushed from the balcony of his wedding venue by none other than Sienna, who he’d married just hours earlier, bringing to an end star Matthew’s time in the village.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
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